Ellie and the Harp Maker by Hazel Prior #Review #EllieandtheHarpmaker

Today we have Hazel Prior's debut novel, Ellie and the Harp Maker which depicts the beautiful countryside of Exmoor where the author lives.

 

Sometimes it takes a chance encounter to discover what your life could be like...

Meet Ellie. She’s perfectly happy with her home and her husband and her quiet life. Happy enough, anyway. Which is why she’s so surprised to find herself drawn to an extrordinary stranger who gives her a gift - and a fresh perspective. 

Meet Dan. He thinks all he needs to be happy is the time and space to carry on making harps. Sometimes people buy them, too. But the last thing he expects is for Ellie to walk into his life, a whirlwind with cherry-coloured socks, bringing a string of surprises into his ordered existence. 

As Ellie and Dan get to know one another, they begin to see the world - and themselves - in an entirely new way... 

Perfect for fans of The Keeper of Lost Things and Three Things About Elsie

My Thoughts

This is a deceptively simple novel which has a lyrical, literary quality. Full of the details of the beautiful Exmoor countryside, you get to meet two central characters who are both on the outside. Alternating chapters give you the perspectives of Ben and Ellie so you get to feel their emotions and glimpse their thoughts. 

     This heart-warming story has a sensitivity and subtlety which sets it apart and which gives you a refreshingly different read. You get to see a way of life which has a totally different perspective and you are rooting for Ellie to take the plunge and escape her life as the Exmoor housewife. The countryside is so intertwined with Ben's life as a harp maker and you can totally visualise his beautiful barn. 

In short: A poignant love story with a distinct voice.

  

About the Author

Hazel Prior lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat. As well as writing, she works as a harpist. 

You can find Hazel at @HaveAHarp.

Book link:  Amazon UK

Thanks to Hazel Prior, Transworld Books and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!